Author's Note

"I HOLD THIS EMBER IN MY HEART! IT REMINDS ME OF WHO I ONCE WAS! IT'S THE ONLY WARMTH THAT I KNOW!"

Stability (Sea of the Soul)

Celestia returned to Canterlot as soon as she was able. The report of Twilight's excursion left her completely floored. She summoned her sister and their student to the war room upon her return.

"It seems you've been through a quite a lot since I left. Here."

The sun princess offered her successor a cup of tea. This time, Twilight was alert enough to decipher the aroma.

"Thanks..."

"You're different from the last time I saw you. You've matured."

"Did you read the letters?"

"I did. I beseech your forgiveness. If only I'd known..."

"It wasn't your fault. I went willingly to ensure the safety of our people. As difficult as it was, I'm glad I did."

"Her speech was truly befitting of royalty," Luna gloated, "Our soldiers rallied behind her in a matter of moments."

"Just as I would expect from my number one student," Celestia praised, "Still, I am concerned about the two humans mentioned in your report. Maria and Brandon, was it?"

"Yes," Twilight confirmed, "They're a brother-sister duo from the North American state of Georgia. During the battle, they fought with the same tactics I'd expect to see from seasoned veterans, but it was different somehow..."

"In what way?"

"Well...It seemed more controlled, as though they weren't fighting out of malice, anger, or vengeance. Their power over the situation was absolute. It was completely one-sided. Maria sustained a mild injury, but it ended up being little more than a flesh wound."

"My word. They sound quite formidable."

"That's putting it mildly. With how quickly they adapted, they could well be the deciding factor in a conflict between our worlds."

"Should we have reason to suspect them as threats?"

"I don't know. I couldn't get a reading on them. I think they're hiding something."

"You mentioned Brandon tried to comfort you after you revealed yourself as a witness."

"They referred to the situation as a mercy killing, citing the wolves' lack of higher cognitive functions. It's strange...They have so much power, yet they seem so innocent...So...Pure..."

"I believe their intentions. Why else would they treat you as one of their own? Not only that - they agreed to your terms without so much as a complaint. For all you've suffered through, I believe you've gained us worthy allies this day."

"Maybe..."

"What is it that troubles you?"

"I sensed something in my dream before I entered the portal. I couldn't pinpoint its source, but...It was strong...Far stronger than any magic..."

"Do not lose hope. You've already prepared a contingency, have you not?"

"I guess. I just hope it doesn't end up escalating to that point..."

"If you cannot trust them, then trust me."

"I do trust you, princess."

"Then you have nothing to fear."

Her mentor's assurance was all Twilight needed to hear. Celestia's wisdom never steered her wrong before. She had no reason to believe this time would be any different. Little did she know how right her teacher would turn out to be...